Early Predictors of the Childhood Dysregulation Profile: A Systematic Review

Childhood dysregulation profile (DP) involves difficulties in regulating emotions, behaviour and cognitions, and is associated with adverse long-term outcomes, yet its early life predictors are less well understood. This systematic review examined peer-reviewed studies published in English up to December 2024, identifying 12 eligible articles. Findings revealed that family-related factors such as parental mental health symptoms, lower education, prenatal substance use, and higher social adversity were associated with increased childhood DP symptoms, whereas evidence on parenting behaviours and home environment was inconclusive. Among child-related predictors, boys, children with difficult temperaments, and those with early regulatory problems (i.e., excessive crying, sleeping or feeding problems) were more likely to show childhood DP symptoms. On the other hand, the impacts of low birth weight, and gestational age were inconclusive. Research on the influence of language, cognitive skills and early social development remains limited. Further prospective longitudinal studies are needed to strengthen the evidence base.